Ukrainian FM confirms US ambassador change — Every diplomat has rotation cycle
Photo: Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has confirmed the dismission of Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United States, Oksana Markarova. He called her one of the most successful figures in Ukrainian diplomacy, Ukrainian Radio reports.
"Oksana Markarova is one of our most successful ambassadors, extremely effective and charismatic, but naturally, every diplomat has a rotation cycle," Sybiha said.
The Foreign Minister was also asked about possible new ambassadorial appointments.
"I can confirm that the President of Ukraine plans to carry out a rotation in all G7 and G20 countries. That means strengthening our diplomatic presence in those nations, including the US track. Therefore, it is really on the agenda now," he stated.
Sybiha added that around 20 presidential decrees can be expected soon, involving the dismissal and appointment of new Ukrainian ambassadors.
"All ambassadors must understand that their performance is measured by results. They must work toward a result. They must understand and be in touch with the realities of the country at war," the minister emphasized.
Markarova’s dismission
On July 8, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United States, Oksana Markarova, held a conversation during which they discussed a personnel matter.
According to sources cited by RBC-Ukraine, the President informed Markarova of his intention to rotate the US ambassador.
The source added that Zelenskyy invited Markarova to remain part of his team following the rotation.
Earlier reports had indicated expected personnel changes not only within the Ukrainian government but also in the diplomatic corps.
RBC-Ukraine previously reported that Ambassador Oksana Markarova would almost certainly end her term in the US, particularly due to strained relations with the new Donald Trump administration.
According to the outlet, the Presidential Office is considering sending Culture Minister Mykola Tochytskyi to Washington as Ukraine’s new ambassador. Reportedly, Tochytskyi himself would not oppose a return to diplomatic service.
Later, RBC-Ukraine sources named several other potential candidates to replace Markarova, including Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, and Energy Minister German Galushchenko.
